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Barefoot

Like Feetus on Facebook for a celebratory discount code to mark the launch of Feetus.co.uk

That’s right folks… Your new favourite barefoot running store goes live on Wednesday 13th February 2013, and to celebrate the launch, we’ll be offering exclusive discount codes to our Facebook friends.

Swiss Protection Socks from Swiss Barefoot have created a sock for outdoor use. Similar to the likes of Injinji and ToeToe in the sense that the sock has individual pockets for your toes, the Swiss Protection Socks are designed to give you that barefoot feel, whilst giving you complete protection from gnarly bits and pieces that could potentially harm your precious feet.

“Please take your socks off before you come in”

Of the socks, SB claim these are “the first firm socks for the ultimate barefoot feeling without the risk of injury from sharp objects”. Having researched these further, not only do Swiss Barefoot recommend them for walking an running, but for a whole host of activities: rock climbing and water sports!

“What a pair”

The socks are made from 50% Kevlar (the cut-resistant stuff used in ropes and bullet-proof jackets), 32% polyester, 10% cotton, and 8% Spandex, with eco-friendly PVC laminated in to the sole

“Will anyone cotton on to this craze?”

Price Tag

At 55 Euros (£48, $75) for the ‘sockette’ and 59 Euros (£51, £81) for the full protection sock – they are certainly not cheap. Are they worth it? Would you pay that?

Like this? Why not like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter? Our new online store goes live in 10 days and we’ll be rewarding our followers with exclusive discounts as well as some fantastic prizes in a giveaway! Don’t miss out!

Not sure about barefoot running? If only there was a way of going half-barefoot to see if you like it…

Drum roll please. Enter: The Freeheel Running Pad.

Winner of the ISPO Award 2012, the Running Pad is designed and manufactured by Starringer in beautiful Bavaria, Germany. Starringer claim the Running Pad is of minimal weight, protecting the foot only where it is needed, and is a great alternative for long-distance and high temperature runs.

The Freeheel Running Pad

The barefoot revolution has certainly brought us some of the most peculiar-looking shoes over the last four years (think Vibram FiveFingers, One Moment, ZEMgear), but the Freewheel Running Pad is certainly the most bizarre. It is genuinely innovative. It’s neither a shoe, nor a sandal. It’s not a glove, nor a hoof.

From the top, you could easily mistake the Running Pad for a sandal. Very similar to a Birkenstock. I particularly like the use of the straps – very trendy. But then we look at the side profile. The sandal has no sole under the heel, nor does it have anything to wrap around the back of your foot.

Would you dip your toe?

The Archer

Now I haven’t tested this ‘shoe’, and the jury is out on how they would perform, but I really fancy having a go at these. To me, they look like something you’d see on a half-horse/half man. As a Sagittarius, my Zodiac symbol is the archer – maybe that’s why I am attracted to them…

“I’ll have two pairs, please”

A little more:

Improves muscle strength/coordination lower extremities

Higher running efficiency as compared to heel striking

Optimal foot climate compared to other “barefoot shoes”.

Back to the roots – like in telemarking “free heel” & snow shoe “free-heel”

No need to squeeze your toes in little pockets

Water & gravel in & out!

no length adjustment needed – select from small/medium/large depending on the width of your fore/midfoot.

Welcome to a quick blog post to present two relatively new, relatively similar barefoot shoes that are worth sharing.

Iguaneye

I have just stumbled across a new brand of barefoot / minimal shoes ‘Iguaneye’, based in Lyon, France. They have developed am ultra-minimalist shoe inspired by Amazonian tribes.

Here is a little more about the shoe:

“The shape of the Iguaneye has been created to perfectly conform to the contours of your feet. The anatomic form has been custom-made by Dulster Design and provides a supportive, secure and extremely comfortable fit. Unlike flip-flops, the piece that parts the toes is placed 1 cm ahead. Just like a second-skin, Iguaneyes perfectly fit all your movements and do not cause irritation.”

The advanced elastomer used for the main part is neutral, hypoallergenic, soft and very flexible. It is also 100% recyclable.”

It’s also worth adding that Iguaneye achieved their funding through Kickstarter – an online funding platform for start-ups. Well done! Here is Olivier talking us through the shoe: http://vimeo.com/54534013

Iguaneye’s Ultra-Minimal Shoe

One Moment (O1M)

How many of you have heard of One Moment?

Based in Valencia, Spain – They manufacture an extremely minimal shoe that is 100% biodegradable. This shoe comes in all sorts of colours, lipstick red, lime green – very ‘Euro’. I’ve tested these out, and while they are not ideal for running in – they ARE great for general use: walking, at work, lounging… These shoes were also created from the ancient practice of latex-clad tribal feet.

I Can See A Rainbow:The One Moment Range

Iguaneye vs One Moment – Make up your own mind

They are both biodegrable / recyclable

Both inspired by Amazonian foot-dippers

Iguaneye costs 49 Euros (£42, $67)

O1M cost 10 Euros (£8, $13)

Iguaneye look more ‘acceptable’

O1M have a wider range of colours

Feetus will be stocking a range of O1M shoes!

I’m keen to learn what others think of the Iguaneye and One Moment shoes. Is there a place for these in the market? Would you buy them? Are Iguaneye entering the market at a too-high price point? What do you like / dislike about these shoes?

Skora Running are releasing some fantastic new minimalist running shoes this year. Having seem them a while back in 2012, they were brought to wider attention at the recent Outdoor Retailer show.

Welcome Skora Phase and Shora Core

The Phase-X made Gear Junkie’s Best in Show list and was regarded by RunningShoes.com as ‘Best Shoe in Show’. Impressive.

The two shoes have an outsole constructed out of IBR (injected Blown Rubber), which is lighter and more flexible than regular rubber. The cushioning from IBR also means that an EVA midsole is not required. Although IBR is less resistant to wear, Skora have strategically placed rubber on the outsole to reduce the effects of wear.

Skora Phase

7.2oz Men’s / 5.8oz Women’s

minimal, single-layer mesh upper

asymmetric lacing system

unique unibody IBR outsole

Zero-drop, 8mm forefoot/heel stack height

$110 MSRP (£69.99)

The Magnificent Skora Phase

Skora Core

8.1oz Men’s / 6.7oz Women’s

perforated Pittards® Armor-Tan® Goatskin leather upper

combination lining with WR100X® leather and antibacterial Agion mesh

asymmetric lacing system

unibody IBR outsole

Zero-drop, 8mm forefoot/heel stack height

$155 MSRP (£99.99)

The Wonderful Skora Core in grey

“Rapid”. The Core in white / blue

When Can We Expect to See Them?

These shoes are yet to be released in the US, but rumour has it that they should hit the shelves in March. Having spoken with Skora recently, they are adamant that they will have a UK distributor wrapped up within a matter of weeks. Whether this means the UK will have access to the full range or just the Base and Form shoes, it remains to be seen.

Regardless, I am 100% sure Skora will make a massive impact over here in the UK!

Our Feetus.co.uk store goes live in February. Make sure you keep up to date at Facebook and Twitter to be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes as part of our store launch, and for some exclusive discounts.